Every week for the duration of the 2025 regular season, USA TODAY Sports will provide timely updates to the NFL's ever-evolving playoff picture − typically starting Sunday afternoon and then moving forward for the remainder of the week (through Monday's and Thursday's games or Saturday's, if applicable. And, when the holidays roll around, we'll be watching then, too).
What just happened? What does it mean? What are the pertinent factors (and, perhaps, tiebreakers) prominently in play as each conference's seven-team bracket begins to crystallize? All will be explained and analyzed up to the point when the postseason field is finalized on Sunday, Jan. 4.
Here's where things stand with Week 15 underway:
1. Los Angeles Rams (10-3), NFC West leaders: They've regained the inside track for home-field advantage and a first-round bye, benefiting from Chicago's loss to Green Bay in Week 14. The Rams' Week 11 defeat of Seattle currently remains pivotal, though the rematch comes Thursday night. Beat Detroit on Sunday, and a playoff spot is secured. Remaining schedule: vs. Lions, at Seahawks, at Falcons, vs. Cardinals
2. Green Bay Packers (9-3-1), NFC North leaders: They're back on top of the division and just a half-game off the conference pace. But the Pack would need to beat Denver and for the Rams and Seahawks to lose in order to rise to the top spot Sunday. Remaining schedule: at Broncos, at Bears, vs. Ravens, at Vikings
